By Patriot corps
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety has announced a rigorous crackdown this week targeting all drivers and riders who do not possess valid driving licenses. This operation encompasses individuals driving without licenses, those with expired licenses, and those operating vehicles outside of their class.
According to Section 35 of the Traffic and Road Safety Amendment Act 2020, it is mandated that individuals must possess a valid driving license to operate any class of motor vehicle, trailer, or engineering plant on the road. Failure to comply with this regulation constitutes an offense.
Penalties for violating this law are severe. Section 176 (1) stipulates that offenders can face fines of up to 300 currency points (equivalent to 6,00,000/=) or imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or both, upon conviction. Additionally, during these operations, offenders will be issued EPS tickets in line with the EPS regulations of 2013.
Moreover, the operations will extend to boda bodas, specifically targeting riders without valid riding licenses, reflective jackets, and helmets. This targeted approach aims to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with regulations among all road users.
The Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety urges all motorists to ensure they possess valid licenses and adhere to road safety measures to avoid facing penalties during these operations.